Nigerian government unveils new national carrier - Nigeria Air

Government makes announcement this afternoon at Farnborough - operations scheduled for December 2018

The Nigerian government has unveiled the name and logo of its new national carrier, Nigeria Air.

The new branding was revealed today by Hadi Sirika, minister of state for aviation, at Farnborough International Airshow. New terminals in Lagos and Abuja Airports would add 11 million passenger capacity in each of the two airports. The new airline would have flights on 81 domestic, regional and international routes.

An important day for Nigeria

Sirika said: "This is an important day for Nigeria," he said. "The largest economy in Africa, largest population, GDP of around half a billion dollars, and the only true aviation player in West and Central Africa."

"This will be a national carrier that is private sector led and driven. It is a business, not a social service. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this."

He added: "The Nigerian government will not own more than 5 per cent (maximum) of the new national carrier. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it.